JS ISE conducted a Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercise with 2 USN Carrier Strike Groups.

From January 29 to February 1, JS ISE conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise in the vicinity of Okinawa with the United States Navy USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, USS CARL VINSON, USS LAKE ERIE, USS PRINCETON, USS RUSSELL, USS HALSEY, USS DANIEL INOUYE, USS STERETT, USS KIDD, and USS HOPPER.
Rear Admiral SHIMIZU Hitoshi, Commander of Escort Flotilla 2, who assumed command of the Japanese side, said, "Japan and the U.S. are both maritime nations with long coastlines facing the Pacific Ocean, and we are allies who seek to maintain an international order based on the rule of law toward the realization of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific’. In this bilateral exercise, by exercising with the U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group, which includes two U.S. aircraft carriers, we have contributed to the creation of a desirable security environment for our country and embodied our strong will and capability not to tolerate unilateral changes in the status quo by force. The 2nd Escort Flotilla will continue to strive for its mission while maintaining readiness to respond immediately to various contingencies.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.

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